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21 AUGUST 2019 ISSUE 137 www.attractionsmanagement.com California resort to add Lego Movie World

Merlin has revealed plans for the largest new addition at its Legoland California resort since the park launched in 1999.

The new Lego Movie World area is set to open in 2020 and will be based on the popular Warner Bros. movie franchise. The area is being designed in partnership with Warner and will place guests in the middle of Bricksburg, the city which acts as the setting for the movies. Attractions and rides will include the fl agship Masters of Flight, a "fl ying theatre", where guests join the movie's QThe new attraction will be the main character Emmet Brickowski on resort's largest park addition ever a triple-decker fl ying couch and get to journey across the Lego Movie universe. “We can’t wait to see the faces on “The Lego Movie World is Legoland all the children as they interact within California Resort’s largest park addition the creative world of Bricksburg.” ever and we're thrilled to create an It is the second Lego Movie World interactive experience that immerses announced by Merlin and follows The interactive experience guests into a world so brilliantly created the opening of a similar area at will immerse guests into by Lego and our friends at Warner Bros.,” Legoland Florida earlier this year. the Lego Movie world said the park's GM Peter Ronchetti. MORE: http://lei.sr/h2w2N_A Peter Ronchetti

THEME PARKS NEW OPENING MUSEUMS Attendance and earnings Star Wars attraction fails Swedish science museum up at Universal to draw in visitors will be 'icon of sustainability' Business booming for p4 Iger: "Overcrowding fears p8 Museum opening in 2024 p12 Universal's park division aff ected numbers" will be CO2-neutral Attractions people

Matthias Li to step down as Ocean Park CEO in 2020 after 25 years of service at the attraction

ollowing 25 years of commitment" in transforming F service, Matthias Li, the park into what it is today, chief executive of Hong saying: "His stewardship Kong attraction Ocean Park, and quest for innovation has announced that he will have resulted in remarkable retire at the start of July achievements in the park's 2020, with the operator edutainment offerings, service starting a global search to excellence, conservation as well identify his successor. as community care efforts." Credited with turning a "local Li said he was extremely theme park into a world-class proud of Ocean Park's resort destination", Li joined contribution to Hong Kong Ocean Park in 1994 as the tourism, and the memories park's finance director and created for millions of corporate secretary. He QLi was named a Leader of the Chinese Theme Park Industry in 2015 guests, and he paid tribute became deputy CEO in 2007, to the dedicated staff he and finally CEO in 2016. "It has been an honour to lead a unique has worked with during his During his tenure, Li was the theme park that champions education, 25 years at the park. driving force behind several conservation and entertainment" "It has been a true landmark developments at honour to lead a unique the park, including the arrival and a major redevelopment that Ocean Park chair Leo theme park that champions of giant pandas, the park's added more than 70 attractions Kung expressed gratitude for education, conservation and 40th-anniversary celebrations, between 2005 and 2012. Li's "outstanding work and entertainment," he said.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver hails opening of experience centre at Disney Springs

he NBA Experience, "I want to thank Imagineering T an immersive and team for capturing the authentic NBA interactive new attraction experience at this landmark destination" at Disney Springs in Florida, has celebrated its grand making clutch shots and products designed specifically opening, with Disney slam dunks, and interactive for the NBA Experience. CEO and NBA displays, films and trivia that "I want to thank Bob commissioner Adam Silver help guests to learn more Iger and the Walt Disney unveiling the new venture. about the NBA and the WNBA. Imagineering team for Developed by Walt Disney Tickets allow guests to enjoy capturing the authentic NBA Imagineering in collaboration every activity in any order, experience at this landmark with the NBA, the 44,000sq again and again, and they can destination," said Adam QSilver said the centre will ft (13,400sq m) two-floor customise their experience to Silver. "We're thrilled to offer an NBA experience environment has 13 different showcase their favourite NBA share the excitement of NBA to Disney guests from basketball-related activities or WNBA teams. An adjacent basketball with fans and around the world for guests, including being NBA store sells official NBA guests selected in the NBA draft, apparel, as well as Disney from around the world."

2 attractionsmanagement.com ©Cybertrek Ltd 2019 ISSUE 137 JOBS START ON PAGE 27 >>>

MANAGEMENT NEWS Contents issue 137

4 Attendance and earnings up at Universal Universal reported Q2 revenues of US$1.5bn (Ð1.34bn, £1.2bn) – an increase of 7.5 per cent year-on-year

5 EAS rebrands as IAAPA Expo Europe ahead of Paris event With the name change, the show has grown further and the 2019 edition will be the largest in the event's history.

8 Star Wars attraction fails to draw in visitors QBarber (inset) said work would start Poor attendances at Disney's highly- on Nanjing (main pic) by 2020 anticipated Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge leads to overall visitor numbers at "Revenue from international US parks dropping by 3 per cent agreements should accelerate further, as we receive approvals in China" 11 Silver Dollar City announces US$30m expansion plans New attractions include tallest raft Six Flags CFO Marshall Barber: ride drop in the Western Hemisphere franchises back on track as work 20 Product innovation on Chinese park set to restart Catch up on the latest product and technology news ix Flags is starting offi cer for Six Flags, revealed S to get back on track positive news for its China CLASSIFIED & JOBS with its international projects, which are starting projects after the operator to get back on track. Careers 26 revealed it expected to "Our partners have resume development on progressed with the government Job opportunities its halted China projects approval process and 27 within the next six months. construction has continued in The operator revealed Chongqing," he said, speaking Sign up to Leisure Opportunities: problems with some of its during an earnings call. Online: www.leisuresubs.com development projects in China "We're hoping to resume Email: [email protected] in February 2019, blaming development and revenue Tel: +44 (0)1462 471930 a weakening of the Chinese recognition for Nanjing later Annual subscriptions: UK £34, economy and the introduction in the year or early next year. UK students £18, Europe £45, RoW £68 of new leaders in local Revenue from our international Attractions Management News is published 26 times a year by The government for delays to its agreements should accelerate Leisure Media Company Ltd, Portmill House, Portmill Lane, Hitchin, Chongqing and Nanjing parks. further, as we receive approvals Herts SG5 1DJ, UK. The views expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the publisher. All Following the company's in China, continue to add new rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored recent earnings report, locations and over the medium- in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by means, electronic, mechanical, recorded or otherwise, without the prior permission of the Marshall Barber, chief fi nancial term begin opening parks." copyright holder, Cybertrek Ltd. ©Cybertrek Ltd 2019 ISSN 2516-9114

ISSUE 137 ©Cybertrek Ltd 2019 attractionsmanagement.com 3 news

FINANCIALS Attendance and earnings up at Universal

Business continues to boom for new attractions such as Universal's theme park division, the Harry Potter-themed with the operator reporting rollercoaster, Hagrid's revenue and earnings increases Magical Creatures Motorbike in its latest financial report. Adventure in Orlando. Universal reported Q2 "These results were revenues of US$1.5bn driven by higher attendance, (€1.34bn, £1.2bn) – an aided by the timing of spring increase of 7.5 per cent break vacations and higher year-on-year. The operator said guest spending," said said this was due to increased Michael Cavanagh, senior attendance, helped by the EVP and CFO of Universal's timing of spring holidays and parent company Comcast. increases in guest spending. "We're excited about QUniversal's parks have been growing their revenues in 2019 Adjusted earnings before the future of our parks interest, taxes, depreciation, business as we have a and amortization (EBITDA) great runway in coming increased 3.8 per cent to years with Nintendo World US$590m (€528m, £473m) opening in Japan in 2020, These results were in Q2, with increased Universal Beijing opening in driven by higher revenue partly offset by 2021 and other significant attendance at our parks higher operating expenses, opportunities to come soon." Michael Cavanagh including costs to support MORE: http://lei.sr/e3U8m_A

EXPANSION New York's largest waterpark set for expansion

Construction is set to start in September on new water slides at the Enchanted Forest Water Safari theme park in New York, US, with a funding contribution Work will include for the new rides having come from the QEnchanted Forest was ranked 4th in the US and 17th demolishing the current state's economic development agency. in the world in a TripAdvisor survey of water parks rides and constructing Empire State Development has awarded the new slides US$500,000 (€448,300, £414,000) Killermanjaro and a 295ft (90m) from its Upstate Revitalisation Initiative, slide with loops and a drop launch pad. which Enchanted Forest will use to add As well as demolishing the current three new water slides, including a four- rides, re-engineering and constructing lane, 300ft (91m) mat slide with loops the new slides, the expansion also to replace Serengeti Surf Hill, the current includes re-engineering of water mat slide, and a 200ft (61m) speed pumps and filtration equipment. slide with a drop launch pad to replace MORE: http://lei.sr/Z9q6F_A

4 attractionsmanagement.com ©Cybertrek Ltd 2019 ISSUE 137 JOBS START ON PAGE 27 >>> MEET THE TEAM

For email use: [email protected]

Editor Liz Terry +44 (0)1462 431385

Managing editor Tom Anstey +44 (0)1462 471916

Publisher Julie Badrick +44 (0)1462 471971

Advertising sales Paul Thorman QThe show is expected to attract more than 15,000 participants +44 (0)1462 471904

IAAPA Expo Europe 2019 will Advertising sales be an all-encompassing event Sarah Gibbs +44 (0)1462 471908 and the largest in history

Advertising sales EAS rebrands as IAAPA Expo Chris Barnard Europe ahead of Paris event +44 (0)1462 471907

he Euro Attractions Show developers – and anyone Advertising sales has been rebranded as wishing to engage with the Gurpreet Lidder T +44 (0)1462 471914 the IAAPA Expo Europe global amusement community. ahead of this year's event This year's event is at the Paris Expo Porte de expected to attract more Versailles exhibition centre. than 15,000 participants With the name change, the – of which around 9,000 Newsdesk show has grown further and will be buyers. In total, Tom Walker the 2019 edition will be the more than 600 companies +44 (0)1462 431385 largest in the event's history. from 100 countries will be Held in the French represented at the expo. capital Paris, IAAPA Expo With 17,500 net sq m Product Editor Lauren Heath-Jones Europe 2019 will be an (188,000 sq ft) of exhibition +44 (0)1462 471927 all-encompassing event space, IAAPA Expo Europe will for the continent's leisure also feature the largest show and attractions industry fl oor in the show's history. professionals. Those in "Paris is central to the attendance will include attractions industry," said Circulation Joe Neary operators, suppliers, Jakob Wahl, executive director +44 (0)1462 471910 manufacturers, investors, and VP of IAAPA EMEA.

ISSUE 137 ©Cybertrek Ltd 2019 leisureopportunities.co.uk 5 news JOBS START ON PAGE 27 >>>

CAR MUSEUM New museum to house Brumos race cars

A new museum to house The planned opening of the the Brumos Collection of new museum will change all automobiles, racing artifacts that, providing display room and historical documents is for the collection, within a due to open in January 2020 state-of-the-art museum facility in Jacksonville, Florida. where visitors can discover The 35,000sq ft (10,668sq more about the cars on display m) facility, currently under through digital kiosks. construction, will focus A 22-seat movie theatre, attention on Brumos Racing archive room for researching – four-time winner of the automotive and racing history, 24 Hours of Daytona race fully functioning workshop, between the team's formation engine room and machine in 1971, sponsored by the shop, conference room QThe design has been inspired by the Ford assembly plant Brumos Porsche dealership, and second-storey, 85-seat and its demise in 2013. mezzanine overlooking Since then, the collection the display area, are also of cars – which includes planned for the museum. Miller, Bugatti, Peugeot and The museum's design has The museum houses a 22-seat movie Porsche vehicles – has been been inspired by the Ford theatre, archive room for researching stored in a warehouse, and assembly plant that once automotive and racing history was only viewable by private, operated in Jacksonville. invitation-only tours. MORE: http://lei.sr/r2p2V_A

HERITAGE Historic US$30m photo archive secured by US foundations

The Smithsonian and the Getty Research Institute are among the cultural institutions that will soon be able to display a unique archive of images of black Americans in the 20th century. QThe huge archive features images used The four million prints and negatives in the iconic Ebony and Jet magazines of the Johnson Publishing Company's archive have been acquired for US$30m Foundation, a "national treasure and (€26.8m, £24.6m) by a consortium of one of tremendous importance to the foundations, including the Ford Foundation, telling of black history in America". the J. Paul Getty Trust, the John D. and He added: "We felt it was imperative This archive of images Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and to preserve these images, to give them is a national treasure the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. the exposure they deserve and make Darren Walker The archive is, according to them readily available to the public." Darren Walker, president of the Ford MORE: http://lei.sr/a3G4q_A

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DISNEY Star Wars attraction fails to draw in visitors

Despite its domestic parks signifi cant increases in achieving record revenue over attendance expected, the last three months, it has the opposite actually been a tough quarter for Disney, happened, with attendance which fell short of expected at Disney's domestic parks visitor fi gures following the dropping by 3 per cent. launch of its new Star Wars "I think a number of things addition in California. happened," said Iger. Disney's acquisition of Fox "First of all, there were produced what the company's tremendous concerns on chair and CEO, Bob Iger, overcrowding when we opened described as "complicated" Galaxy’s Edge, so some people numbers for the company stayed away. "The same time overall. For parks, revenue that was going on, all the local QStar Wars: Galaxy's Edge opened to much fanfare increased by 7 per cent hotels in the region expecting to US$6.6bn (€5.89bn, a huge infl ux of visitation £5.43bn) while operating raised their prices. "In addition income rose 4 per cent to to that, we brought our daily US$1.7bn (€1.52bn, £1.4bn). price up substantially from a Some people stayed During the same quarter, year ago and then we opened away just because they Disney launched its highly- up Galaxy’s Edge with one expected overcrowding anticipated Star Wars: attraction instead of two." Bob Iger Galaxy's Edge land. With MORE: http://lei.sr/k9d5d_A

BRAND ATTRACTIONS Toyota opens branded experience centre in Texas

Car manufacturer Toyota has opened its fi rst visitor attraction in North America – the 44,000sq ft (13,400sq m) Toyota Experience Center (TEC) at its headquarters in Plano, Texas. The company says the centre, which QThe centre has a floorspace of around 44,000sq ft was planned, designed and project managed by JRA, is intended to educate to see the whole picture and experience visitors about Toyota's past, present manufacturing or robotics," said JRA and future as a mobility company. The senior project director, Rob Morgan. centre features a variety of interactive "The TEC gives them a place to The TEC is a place to exhibits and displays, all designed to come and see the various facets see the various facets of refl ect on the people behind the brand. of this dynamic company and gives this dynamic company "Many of those working on Toyota’s employees a sense of pride." Rob Morgan campus may not have the opportunity MORE: http://lei.sr/W7Q2u_A

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GYRO SWING Flying through the air news JOBS START ON PAGE 27 >>>

IMPROVED PERFORMANCE Immersive attractions fuel Cedar revenues

Cedar Fair Entertainment out-of-park revenues, and a Company, which owns and slight decrease in attendance operates 11 amusement (of 47,000 visits, which is parks and five water parks in less than 1 per cent). North America, has reported Adjusted EBITDA was up 5 Q2 and year-to-date results per cent (or US$7m (€6.25m, showing "meaningful" £5.75m)) on a comparable improvements in attendance, operating calendar basis. in-park per capita spending Cedar Fair CEO Richard and out-of-park revenues. A. Zimmerman said the The company has provided company's commitment adjusted figures to compensate to investing in immersive for the fact that Q2 2019 attractions was improving the included an additional 64 value perception of its parks. QThe company's revenues in were up by 3 per cent in Q2 2019 operating days across all its "The strength of our core parks compared to Q2 2018. business, combined with the These adjusted figures returns we are seeing from show that net revenues in Q2 the two acquired Schlitterbahn 2019 were up by 3 per cent, or water parks, makes us The strength of our US$14m (€12.5m, £11.5m), confident that everything core business makes us on a 4 per cent increase in is in place this year for a confident about this year in-park per capita spending, strong finish," he said. Richard A Zimmerman a 4 per cent increase in MORE: http://lei.sr/d4A3Y_A

REDEVELOPMENT Silver Dollar City announces US$30m expansion plans

The tallest raft ride drop in the Western Hemisphere is coming to Silver Dollar City in Missouri, after the Mystic River Falls is set park revealed plans to invest more to be the highlight of than US$30m (€26.9m, £24.8m) into QMystic River Falls features eight-person rafts a new 1880s-themed a number of new developments. and 'the tallest drop in the Western Hemisphere' area of the park, The US$23m (€20.6m, £19m) Mystic called Rivertown. River Falls is the most significant part travel along a 66ft (20m) high and 180ft of the investment. Riders will travel (55m) long elevated river channel, before almost half a mile in eight-person rafts, they come to the grand finale – a 45ft navigating hairpin turns, high tides and (13.7m) drop to a wet splashdown. a hidden mine shaft during a five-minute Silver Dollar City said the proposed journey. They will ascend an 82ft (25m) four-platform elevator lift tower is the tall lift tower, rotating as they go through only one of its kind in the world. four platforms in the open air; then MORE: http://lei.sr/N4R5c_A

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PUBLIC ATTRACTIONS Space centre begins work on 'reality lab'

The UK's National Space Royal Commission for the Centre (NSC) in the city Exhibition of 1851 and The of Leicester is building a Garfi eld Weston Foundation. new laboratory capable of The lab will house creating virtual, augmented workstations and a and mixed reality media, stereoscopic test dome. It which it says will extend will be the base of the new its capacity to deliver NSC Creative Academy, giving community engagement and young people the opportunity attract new audiences. to work with industry experts The Extended Reality to further their scientifi c Laboratory (or XR Lab) has interest. Fulldome storytelling been funded by the Inspiring studio NSC Creative will also Science Fund – a partnership use the XR Lab facility. QThe lab will house the new NSC Creative Academy between UK Research & Kevin Harris, chair of the Innovation, Wellcome and the LLEP, commented: "Not only Department for Business, will this new facility be a great Energy & Industrial Strategy, . asset for students and young Support has also been people, it will also open up The lab will be a great awarded by the Local Growth space-related opportunities to asset for students Fund from Leicester and communities within Leicester and young people Leicestershire and Leicestershire." Kevin Harris Partnership (LLEP), the MORE: http://lei.sr/V5d9N_A

ECO-FRIENDLY Swedish science museum will be 'icon of sustainability'

Danish architecture fi rm Cobe has won an international competition to design a new science museum in the Visitors will be able to Swedish city of Lund, with the visitor generate electricity attraction set to open in 2024. QArchitect Cobe's winning design is a through pedal power Constructed of wood, the museum wooden construction that is CO2-neutral on energy bikes will be CO2-neutral and will have "the potential to become a future icon of Located within Lund's Science sustainability", according to Cobe. Village Scandinavia – a new urban The two-storey building proposed by district also designed by Cobe – the Cobe has a total fl oor space of 6,000sq m museum will aim to promote interest (19,685sq ft) and will contain in natural science and research in "an exhibition halls, a gallery, reception engaging and playful way", serving as area, workshops, a museum shop, a a cultural landmark for the region. restaurant, offi ces and an auditorium. MORE: http://lei.sr/E2d4B_A

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PARIS, FRANCE

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Future of entertainment

A report by Euromonitor has envisioned how changing consumer trends will shape entertainment venues in the future

ntertainment venues need to undergo technological and design upgrades to prepare them for the experience- seeking consumer of 2040, Eaccording to research by Euromonitor International. A report, called Commerce 2040 - Revolutionary Tech Will Boost Consumer Engagement, outlines a vision for how consumers might live, work, shop and play in 20 years' time, exploring how technology could change the different consumer worlds of entertainment venues, home and retail. Consumers are already moving towards demanding personalised experiences and the report states that consumer expenditure on experiences is set to rise from US$5.8tn (€5.2tn, £4.8tn) to US$8tn (€7.1tn, £6.6tn) in 2030, using leisure, recreation, travel and foodservice as a proxy.

QFuture venues are likely to cater Virtual lives for a wide range of events and have The challenge, according to the report, a heavy emphasis on technology will be to keep delivering differentiated experiences that keep consumers engaged and inspire them to return to entertainment venues event after event. The challenge will be to keep One concept that could take shape, says delivering differentiated the report, is a virtual currency scheme to enhance loyalty in the entertainment experiences that keep consumers industry: fans can earn points for attending engaged and inspire them events, spending at the venue, and

14 attractionsmanagement.com ©Cybertrek Ltd 2019 ISSUE 137 QIn the future, augmented or virtual reality experiences could become a key way for consumers take in entertainment

Technological advances will further redefine what it means to live, work, shop and play for consumers in 2040 promoting fandom on social media. Using make the experience exportable, food and the points, they could buy equipment for drink delivery options to stationary fans, their avatar, get a boost in a related mobile and AR layers that provide information game or use them as currency for on-site on players and gamifi cation options. food, drink and merchandise purchases. "Technological advances will further Optimised seating and data-combing redefi ne what it means to live, work, shop technology will allow consumers to and play for consumers in 2040," said buy tickets in areas best suited to Michelle Evans, global head of digital their preferences, such as family consumer research for Euromonitor. areas for those with young children, or "The digital darlings of the fi rst part singles sitting with other singles. of the millennium like Uber, Airbnb and Even more than today, entertainment Facebook rose to prominence by leveraging venues will have fl exible designs, enabling technology to connect consumers QMichelle Evans, global head of digital them to shift from one event type to with providers and in turn introduced consumer research for Euromonitor another, and operators will be able to a new way of conducting business. adjust a venue's layout to meet the need "The innovators of next-generation for different food and delivery options. commerce of 2040 will face a different set of challenges. Outlets and venues will Defi ning the future require not only a technological upgrade The report also lists a number of "key but a redesign to prepare for the consumer features" that the entertainment venue in 2040. Entertainment venues will deploy of the future will have. These include fl exible designs to shift from one event biometric entry for season ticket holders, type to another, with operators adjusting facial scanning of visitors for tailored a venue’s layout to meet the need for alerts, social media-worthy locations to different food and delivery options."O

ISSUE 137 ©Cybertrek Ltd 2019 attractionsmanagement.com 15 Insight

As a market, there’s currently massive interest in all things English in China

John Russell, vice chair Shakespeare Birthplace Trust Made in China

The birthplace of William Shakespeare will be recreated 6,000 miles away at the home of China’s most famous playwright

new project dedicated to the legacy of playwright William Shakespeare will see a replica of his home built in Fuzhou, China. ABoth Shakespeare’s Birthplace and Shakespeare’s New Place – the latter demolished in the 1800s – will be recreated with historical accuracy near Fuzhou City in southern China. The location is notable because it was the birthplace of Chinese playwright, Tang Xianzu. Along with Spain’s Miguel de Cervantes, the trio of iconic wordsmiths – who all died in 1616 but never met during their lives – will have a cultural centre constructed and dedicated to their legacies.

Trio of scribes QThe ambitious project will cover Called San Weng (which translates as an area of 890,000sq m ‘The Three Masters’), the 890,000sq

16 attractionsmanagement.com ©Cybertrek Ltd 2019 ISSUE 137 QThe project will feature attractions based on the lives of Tang Xianzu (left) and William Shakespeare (right)

The team in Fuzhou team came to us with this proposition and we felt it was a good way of putting a marker down in China

m (9.6 million sq ft) development Working together will encompass a theatre park, "The team in Fuzhou team came to us tourism and leisure zones. Each with this proposition and we felt it was writer will have a dedicated area. a good way of putting a marker down The new Shakespeare development in China," said John Russell, vice chair sits at the heart of the Stratford Quarter, of Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. while Cervantes will be represented "We’ve always had a relationship by a Spanish Alcala Quarter and with them, as you do with many cultural Xianzu an ancient Chinese village. organisations around the world. This is The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust a project they wanted to do to increase and Fuzhou Culture and Tourism their footprint. It was something that Investment Company signed an was of immediate interest to us. exclusive Co-operation Agreement in "As a market there’s massive interest QWilliam Shakespeare was born September last year to recreate the in all things English in China and creating in 1564 and spent his childhood heritage listed buildings, which the a point of interest there for people who years living in the iconic house trust will oversee to ensure the replicas couldn’t necessarily get to the birthplace faithfully represent the originals. in England will be good business for us." The attraction will be dedicated Founded in 2013, the Fuzhou Culture to caring for the world’s greatest Tourism Investment Group engages Shakespeare heritage sites and in the protection, development, collections in the playwright’s home operation, and management of town of Stratford-upon-Avon, England historical and cultural facilities. O

ISSUE 137 ©Cybertrek Ltd 2019 attractionsmanagement.com 17 Insight

The image of a giant helter-skelter sitting in this great nave provokes and begs the question, what is this space for?

Rev Canon Bryant Sacred attraction

In a world first, a helter-skelter ride has been installed inside a medieval cathedral, inviting people to mix worship with thrills

s A 55-ft (16.8m) helter- skelter ride set up in the nave of Norwich Cathedral in England, will give visitors a new Aperspective on the historic building, say cathedral bosses. The ride is a temporary installation and has been built by Irvin Leisure as part of the Cathedral's Seeing It Differently project, which runs until Sunday 18 August. Through it, the church wants to open up conversations about faith. The church is charging £2 per person to ride the helter-skelter, although other aspects of the project – which includes lying down on the floor and looking up at the ceiling, taking part in an ancient spiritual practice, and a blind "trust" trail around the Cloisters – are free of charge. A viewing platform at 40ft (12.2m) will QThe church is charging £2 per person to ride the helter-skelter give visitors the chance to look much

18 attractionsmanagement.com ©Cybertrek Ltd 2019 ISSUE 137 QThe helter-skelter was built in 1947 and has been rented from Chipperfield's Circus

Climbing 50ft above the nave floor will help us see this space differently, it will give us a new perspective

more closely than would normally be "But climbing 50ft above the nave possible at the near 600-year-old roof fl oor will help us see this space bosses, which are found at the points differently, it will give us a new where the ribs of the cathedral roof perspective. It is precisely because it join. The roof stands 69ft (21m) high. is not what we usually do that it can The cathedral is asking participants speak to us, challenge us and invite to share their experiences of Seeing us to see the space differently and it Differently via social media, using to see ourselves and one another the hashtag #SeeingItDifferently differently, even God differently. and tagging Norwich Cathedral "Can we, dare we, open ourselves up on social media channels. to approach familiar things differently, Writing in a blog post on the to see the world through other people’s cathedral's website, the Rev Canon eyes and from their experiences? Can QThe cathedral is asking participants Bryant said: "I get why for some we allow ourselves to be searched by to share their experiences of Seeing the image of a giant helter-skelter fresh understanding and insight?" it Diff erently via social media sitting in this great nave feels slightly Henry Chipperfi eld of Irvin Leisure shocking. It does provoke and it begs commented: "Even though we have the question, what is this space been all over the world, as a unique for? The walls of this great building venue the Cathedral is in a category have seen many things through their of its own. As far as I know, this is 900 years and I suspect will take the fi rst time a helter-skelter has this latest arrival in their stride. ever been in a Cathedral." O

ISSUE 137 ©Cybertrek Ltd 2019 attractionsmanagement.com 19 For the latest supplier PRODUCT INNOVATION news and company information, visit attractions-kit.net Suppliers tell Attractions Management News about their latest product, design and technology launches

OThe Slide Coaster is billed as a 'hybrid and water slide'

Wiegand's unveils visuals of new 'hybrid roller coaster and water slide'

erman water slide coaster track that runs "With this new technology, Gmanufacturer Wiegand. alongside the water slide. guests experience thrills Waterrides has It is powered by a unique like they have never created a new water slide launch system trolley that experienced before." concept in partnership travels along the rollercoaster Frank Heimes, CEO of Up with design practice Up track and has mechanical and Down Engineering, said: and Down Engineering. arms that can push the "We wanted to combine the Billed by the creators specially-designed raft seats spectacular thrill of a roller as a 'hybrid roller coaster up to speeds of 50 mph coaster with the ultimate and water slide', the Slide in just a few seconds. fun of a water slide." Coaster is a duelling slide that Hendrik Wiegand, managing The slide, which has been OHendrik Wiegand combines the "excitement of director of Wiegand.Waterrides, designed to accommodate a roller coaster with the joyful said: "With our joint patent up to 720 riders per hour, experience of a water slide". of the pusher mechanism, will consist of two 160m The ride features a launch we will be able to control the water slides alongside a track start, thus eliminating the strong acceleration of 0.8 and will stand at 8m tall. need for lift hills and loading g to the sliding direction, ATTRACTIONS-KIT KEYWORD stations, and, unlike traditional while still ensuring maximum WIEGAND water slides, it has a roller safety for the riders.

20 attractionsmanagement.com ©Cybertrek Ltd 2019 ISSUE 137 Christie brings football history to life for Athletic Bilbao FC

rabi, a Spain-based AV E integration firm, has OMore than 30 Christie projectors were installed at the completed a major fitout San Mamés Stadium Museum in Bilbao, Spain at the San Mamés Stadium Museum in Bilbao, Spain. black and red – and features Asier Arrate, director of the The museum, located in the a number of AV display, Museum, said: "Laser solutions basement of the stadium –the including a visual projection, give better benefits in terms of home of La Liga club Athletic projected on to an 8 x 4 metre downtime and running costs. Bilbao – tells the story of more metal wall, telling the story of "The projector can be than 120 years of football Athletic Bilbao, its founding mounted at a very short history and boasts a 500-piece and the history of the Bilbao. distance from the screen OAsier Arrate strong memorabilia collection, The projection is powered by or wall, which means the and almost 600 videos detailing six Christie Captiva DHD410S content can be viewed without the history of the club. laser projectors, with a total bothersome shadows." The museum is divided into of 30 being installed throught ATTRACTIONS-KIT KEYWORD three sectors, differentiated the museum, and one of three ERABI by the team's colours - green, Christie GS Series projectors.

Picsolve launches innovation hub following Panora.me acquistion

icsolve, provider of photo such as the Epic Selfie and the The Picsolve Lab, described Pand video capture for Super Selfie, for customers as a 'key differentiator' by the attractions industry, including the Coca-Cola London Picsolve CEO David Hockley. has acquired Belgium- Eye, the Kennedy Space Centre "We're excited for Panora.me based start-up Panora.me. Visitor Complex in Florida and to become the heart of capture The acquisition follows a the Legoland Florida Resort. innovation at Picsolve," he said. year-long exclusive partnership The purchase has also seen "The acquisition will between the two companies, the creation of Picsolve Lab, a superpower our research and during which they have jointly creativity and innovation hub development capability ensuring delivered capture innovations, that is designed to drive the we continue to exceed visitor expectations. In the creation ODavid Hockley of the Picsolve La, a bespoke initiative that is unique in the development of cutting-edge marketplace, we demonstrate capture technology through the our commitment to global growth combined market experience of through continued innovation. both Picsolve and Panora.me. I'm excited to see what need A dedicated team will be technologies our dedicated responsible for the research experts within the newly formed and development of new Picsolve Lab team will deliver." capture innovations and ATTRACTIONS-KIT KEYWORD products that will 'revolutionise' PICSOLVE OPicsolve worked with Panora.me for a year before the acquisition the visitor experience.

ISSUE 137 ©Cybertrek Ltd 2019 attractionsmanagement.com 21 MANAGEMENT NEWS Diary dates

21-24 SEPTEMBER 2019 ASTC 2019 Annual Conference Ontario Science Centre Toronto, Ontario, Canada The Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) Annual Conference provides an opportunity to display products and services to the largest gathering of science museum QThis year's show floor will host 17,500sq m of exhibition space professionals from across the globe. Nearly 2,000 attendees from 6-19 SEPTEMBER 2019 industry professionals from more science centres, museums, nature IAAPA Expo Europe than 100 countries will gather to centres, aquariums, planetariums Paris, France learn about and demonstrate the and natural history museums will IAAPA Expo Europe is the largest latest technology, innovations and take part. They come to network, international conference and trade services within the industry. attend more than 100 sessions and show for the attractions industry Tel: +43 (0) 22 162 915 learn about products or services. in the Europe. More than 15,000 Contact: [email protected] Tel: +1 202 783 7200 Contact: [email protected] www.astc.org/conference networking. It also features the most Attractions Expo have been designed 3 OCTOBER 2019 comprehensive educational programme to help delegates keep up-to-date VAC 2019 available to operators. with what’s new in amusements and QE II Conference Tel: +1 913 599 0300 leisure. A large exhibition features the Centre, London, UK www.wwashow.org very latest products and innovations, Now in its 16th year, The Annual as well as a seminar programme and National Conference of Visitor 18-22 NOVEMBER 2019 strong networking opportunities for Attractions (VAC) is the UK's leading IAAPA Expo visitor attractions professionals. trade event. It is the key place for Orange County Convention Tel: +44 (0)1582 767254 industry professionals to meet and Center, Florida, US Contact: [email protected] network with contemporaries – and The world's largest business event www.attractionsexpo.co.uk to participate in an innovative and for the global visitor attractions stimulating conference programme. industry. The trade fl oor features 1,000 9-11 JUNE 2020 Tel: +44 (0)207 456 923 companies from around the world IAAPA Expo Asia 2020 www.vacevents.com who will showcase the new products Macao, China and services, as well as an extensive IAAPA Expo Asia is IAAPA’s exclusive programme of seminars and workshops. Expo in the Asia Pacifi c region. It is 07-10 OCTOBER 2019 Tel: +1 703 836 4800 part of the organisation's regional World Waterpark Association Email: [email protected] event programme and attracts industry (WWA) Show www.iaapa.org professionals from around the world to Walt Disney World, Florida, US learn and experience what’s new and The WWA Show brings together water 14-16 JANUARY 2020 innovative in the rapidly growing Asian leisure professionals from waterparks, Visitor Attraction Expo attractions market. resorts and aquatic venues of all sizes ExCel London, United Kingdom Tel: +1 852 2538 8799 for four days of education, shopping and EAG International and the Visitor Contact: asiapacifi [email protected]

22 attractionsmanagement.com ©Cybertrek Ltd 2019 ISSUE 137 THE GLOBAL ATTRACTIONS INDUSTRY’S PREMIER EVENT

OPPORTUNITY AROUND EVERY CORNER

Be surrounded by excitement as you meet thrill creators and memory makers from around the globe and discover growth opportunities for your business.

CONFERENCE: Nov. 18–21, 2019 TRADE SHOW: Nov. 19–22, 2019

ORLANDO, FL, US

REGISTER EARLY AND SAVE UP TO 40%!* www.IAAPA.org/IAAPAExpo

* Savings based on full price, on-site registration rates. 3 October 2019 Registration Open Now! www.vacevents.com

Principal Sponsor: Thursday, 3 October 2019 - The QEII Conference Centre, Westminster, London. VAC is a national conference organised by the industry, for the industry where you can: • Get involved in a unique forum for industry professionals. • Network and share experiences. Official Publication: Jenny VAC is pleased to announce that this year’s keynote speaker will Waldman, Director, be Jenny Waldman, the inspirational Director of 14-18 NOW. 14-18 NOW Other new speakers for VAC 2019 include Joss Croft of UKinbound, Martha Lytton Cobbold of Knebworth, Abbigail Ollive of Castle Howard and David Willrich, Supported by: immediate Past President of the Themed Entertainment Association. Register Now! Early bird fee is now available. To register or to see the draft conference programme and speakers, log on to: www.vacevents.com Find great staff ™

Jobs start MANAGEMENT NEWS here Recruitment headaches? Looking for great people? Attractions Management News can help

Tell me about Attractions Management News I hear you're part of Leisure Media Whatever leisure facilities you're responsible for, Yes, we give you access to Leisure Media's the AM News service can raise your recruitment entire network of print, digital, online and social to another level and help you find great people. brands, enabling you to build your profile as an Employer of Choice™ via Leisure Opportunities, How does it work? Health Club Management, Sports Management, We work in partnership with you to get Leisure Management, Attractions Management, your job vacancies in front of qualified, and Spa Business/Spa Opportunities. experienced industry people via specially customised recruitment campaigns. What packages are available? We off er everything you need, from rolling There are loads of recruitment Powerpack campaigns which earn you extra job services, how is AM News special? marketing goodies and discounts, to targeted AM News is the only recruitment service in the ad hoc campaigns, reputation management industry off ering job marketing in print, on digital, promotions, executive job marketing and open social, email, via an online job board and on video, so day and schools and apprenticeship marketing. you get the best of all worlds for one competitive price. Is there more? What are the most powerful features? Yes, we also off er a range of HR services through our We positions your job vacancy listings right next sister company, HR Support, such as cv screening, to our popular industry news feeds, so your career shortlisting and interviewing to final shortlist. opportunities catch the eye of those hard-to reach candidates who aren't currently job hunting. What now? In addition, to celebrate the 100th issue We have packages to suit all budgets and of AM News, we've also relaunched the requirements and we'd love to talk to you about website with fantastic enhanced search how we can partner to bring inspirational people functionality which enables you to target into your organisation to give you that competitive the best candidates with a laser focus. advantage you know will make a diff erence.

Meet the Attractions Management News recruitment team

Liz Terry Julie Badrick Paul Thorman Sarah Gibbs Chris Barnard Gurpreet Lidder

Hope to hear from you soon on +44 (0)1462 431385 or email [email protected]

ISSUE 137 ©Cybertrek Ltd 2019 attractionsmanagement.com 25 Leisure industry MANAGEMENT NEWS professionals share how they got to where MY CAREER they are today

Chris Devaney Personalisation is becoming more OPERATIONS MANAGER, ROYAL LIVER BUILDING important as people are more HERITAGE GB selective with how they spend

hris Devaney has been working Proud moments? in the leisure industry for 15 "I’d have to say it’s the positive feed- C years. He began his career in back for Royal Liver Building 360. hospitality but switched to The building is so important to the leisure as he found it more rewarding. city of Liverpool and the people Now he works as operations manager that there was immense pressure at Liverpool's iconic Royal Liver Building to ensure we delivered an experience and Mattel Play! at Heritage Great Britain. worthy of it, so seeing people enjoying it is an amazing feeling. We’ve also had some Tell us about your career fantastic moments where we've been able to help "I’ve had quite a varied career with a number people find out more information about old family of diff erent roles in hospitality and leisure. stories or in some cases even images of relatives I started as a bartender while studying but found they thought they would never see again. It’s been a the leisure industry much more rewarding and privilege to be able to share people's experiences." so chose to pursue a career in that instead. I've held every operational site management role What are your goals? within the previous companies I've worked for, "To keep pushing the sites and off ering to be the including project manager for CAU Restaurants. best they can be, while ensuring the delivery of In this role i was responsible for overseeing unforgettable guest experiences at all times." the construction and delivery of new sites. It was here that I developed the necessary skills for my current role as operations manager of Royal Liver Building 360 and Mattel Play!"

How has the industry changed? "I think there's been a move towards more experiential attractions with people being more involved with their visit than ever before. Personalisation and tailored experiences are becoming more and more important as people are more selective with how they spend. It's becoming more important to create emotional connections with a place and a brand to help develop loyalty and word-of-mouth marketing." Q The Royal Liver Building is a Liverpool icon

26 attractionsmanagement.com ©Cybertrek Ltd 2019 ISSUE 137 Q HUNDREDS MORE JOBS ONLINE AT: www.attractionsmanagement.com ATTRACTIONS

APPOINTMENTS

WELCOME TO MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS! SEA LIFE Orlando. Where your career goes swimmingly!

Do you have the Magic in you to create memorable experiences all for the love of fun? Do you wish to cast a spell of laughter and enjoyment to the people around you? Want to join a team that creates smiles and memories globally on a daily basis. Then you have the magic to be Team Merlin at SEA LIFE Orlando!

Commercial Manager

Achieve overall budgets for all commercial aspects of both SEALIFE Aquarium Orlando and Madame Tussauds Orlando, including Retail and Bar offerings. Create and execute sales plans and incentives within the commercial department. Recruit, manage and motivate the commercial team to consistently deliver excellent customer service and budgeted RPC. Lead and manage the merchandising of the Stores to Merlin standards in both Attractions. For more information and to apply: http://lei.sr/e3e5n Dive Lead

As DSO to act as the person in charge of ensuring safe dive operations at the aquarium. As Dive Team Lead to act as leader and manager to deliver consistent and high-standard Dive Shows and Programs for SEA LIFE Orlando. For more information and to apply: http://lei.sr/x0F9c

Merlin Entertainments, plc Merlin Entertainments is a business built on fun. We are the world's second-largest visitor attraction operator. We offer flexible opportunities, in a totally unique environment.

27 TO ADVERTISE call +44 (0)1462 431385 email: [email protected] www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/livechatlive chat: click here

City of London Corporation, Department of Open Spaces – Epping Forest

Visitor Experience Manager Starting salary £37,120 inclusive with the potential to progress to £42,400 p.a. inc.

Reference: OOOS475 JOIN THE CITY OF ENJOYMENT CREATORS

About us APPOINTMENTS Managed by the City of London Corporation, Epping Forest is the largest

public green space in London and has 4.5million visits to this internationally WYV[LJ[LKOLYP[HNLSHUKZJHWL6\YÅHNZOPW]PZP[VYJLU[YLPU*OPUNMVYK VɈLYZH]PIYHU[HUKJOHUNPUNYL[HPSVɈLYHUKPUMVYTH[PVUZLY]PJL

The role @V\»SSSLHKHT\S[P[HSLU[LK[LHT[OH[VɈLYZH^HYT^LSJVTL[V visitors. At the same time, you’ll develop a programme of publicly funded and commercial activities that make the most of our resources. In short, you’ll do everything it takes to provide a safe, varied and enjoyable experience for a diverse range of visitors. This includes regular weekend and evening work at sites across Epping Forest.

About you You’ll bring sound experience of managing a visitor services environment, with a particular focus on front-of-house services - ideally in an open space or countryside setting. Experience of planning and overseeing public

ATTRACTIONS events is also important. You’re someone who enjoys the challenge of multi-tasking in a busy and varied role. Well-organised, with good business PUZ[PUJ[ZHUKZV\UKÄUHUJPHSZLUZL`V\»SSHSZVOH]LZ[YVUNWLVWSLZRPSSZ

CLOSING DATE: 12 NOON, 9 SEPTEMBER 2019.

APPLY NOW http://lei.sr/o4r2y

28 Q HUNDREDS MORE JOBS ONLINE AT: www.attractionsmanagement.com ATTRACTIONS

APPOINTMENTS

LEGOLAND NEW YORK

LOYALTY AND INSIGHT MANAGER

Something very exciting is underway in Goshen, New York. Due to open in 2020, LEGOLAND Park and Hotel in New York is Merlin’s biggest single investment to date and you could play a crucial part in this amazing project!

We’re now looking for a unique person who Your goal will be to secure the highest possible has a passion for creating and executing renewal level per cent and KPI’s including loyalty strategies for LEGOLAND New satisfaction and CAPEX performance. York Resort annual pass program, covering Merlin Entertainments, plc is a business product offerings and proposed price setting. built on fun. We are the world’s second- You will ensure our Senior Management largest visitor attraction operator. team and other relevant stakeholders have up to date information on the latest Whether you are serving delicious food, research findings including guest KPI’s, working in the office, maintaining the satisfaction and CAPEX performance. attractions, entertaining guest or operating rides, the objective is to provide a truly As Loyalty and Insight Manager your main memorable experience and a great day goal is to increase revenue, throughout out for all members of the family. sales and visits to Annual Pass holders. You will ensure high pass holder satisfaction If you have the magic to create smiles and level, through the development of strong memories on a daily basis then you want and compelling Annual Pass programs. to be Team LEGOLAND New York Resort.

For more information and to apply: http://lei.sr/c7L2y

29 TO ADVERTISE call +44 (0)1462 431385 email: [email protected] www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/livechatlive chat: click here

For more details on the following jobs visit www.attractionsmanagement.com or to advertise call the team on +44 (0)1462 431385

Commercial Manager Senior Keeper Salary: Competitive Salary: Competitive Company: Sea Life Company: Wild Life Location: Orlando, FL, USA Location: Hamilton Island QLD, Australia

APPOINTMENTS Head of Estate

Dive Lead Operations Salary: Competitive Salary: Competitive Company: Sea Life Company: Weston Park Location: Orlando, FL, USA Location: Shifnal, Shropshire, UK Guest Experience Visitor Experience Manager - Operations Manager Salary: Competitive Salary: £37,120 - £42,400 Company: Sea Life Company: City of London Corporation Location: Orlando, FL, USA Location: Chingford, London, UK Commercial Manager General Manager Salary: Competitive Salary: Competitive Company: Sea Life Company: Legoland Discovery Centre Location: Orlando, FL, USA Location: Milpitas, CA, USA ATTRACTIONS Ticketing and Entry Head of Marketing Asia Project Lead (excluding China) Salary: Competitive Salary: Circa £60,000 Company: Historic Royal Palaces Company: Merlin Entertainments Group Location: Central London, London, UK Location: Singapore Retail / Commercial Loyalty and Insight manager Manager Salary: Competitive Salary: Competitive Company: Legoland Discovery Centre Company: Legoland Location: Atlanta, GA, USA Location: Goshen, NY, USA

For more details on the above jobs visit www.attractionsmanagement.com

30

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